"I don't know that you'll urge me to stop when you have heard my tale," he said. "However, is Mr. Austin or Mr. Jefferson at home?"
"Harry is at Teneriffe, and Jefferson has gone to Madeira."
"Then my luck is bad again," said Kit. "All the same, I've come to ask for something and meant to state that I expected your support. I meant to see you anyhow."
Mrs. Austin was surprised, but said nothing. Kit had not talked to her like this before. He was cool and very stern. Somehow he looked older and she wondered about the bruise.
"Very well," he resumed. "I met Miss Brown at the alameda and understand you know Wolf is gone. I did not know until I arrived, but begin to see light. It's possible his going did not surprise you. You knew he was a rogue!"
"You are taking much for granted," Mrs. Austin remarked quietly.
"Not at all," said Kit. "Your sister knew and warned me. People declare you're the cleverest woman at Las Palmas."
Mrs. Austin pondered. If Olivia had warned Kit, it was possible the girl herself did not know as much as her elder sister had thought. About Betty, for example.
"Well?" she said.
"I'll tell you my story," Kit replied, and narrated his adventures after landing the guns.